The Republican political establishment drew closer to a confrontation with some in the party's Christian conservative wing Tuesday as Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri chose defiance over surrender, refusing to step aside as the GOP nominee for Senate.

ST. LOUIS The Republican candidate in one of the most closely watched U.S. Senate contests came under pressure to drop out of the race Monday after saying on television that women's bodies are able to prevent pregnancies if they are victims of a "legitimate rape."